Question: When is it appropriate to use a colon in standard written English?
Answer: An independent clause always precedes a colon. The elements that follow must relate to the first clause. Before using a colon, ask yourself two questions:
1. Is the first clause independent — that is, does it contain a subject and a verb and express a complete thought?
2. Does the material that follows introduce content that explains or expands upon the first clause?
Incorrect: In order to take the Digital SAT, you must bring a few items, your fully charged testing device with the Bluebook application installed, your up-to-date admission ticket, photo ID, pencils or pens for scratch work, and a calculator.
Correct: In order to take the Digital SAT, you must bring a few items: your fully charged testing device with the Bluebook application installed, your up-to-date admission ticket, photo ID, pencils or pens for scratch work, and a calculator.
Eaton Prep covers all the grammar rules, which make up more than one-fourth of the reading and writing section, in its course. You can register for our fall SAT program, which begins Aug. 30 at the Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center from 2 to 5 p.m. and prepares students for the PSAT and November SAT, at Eatonprep.com.
